The Dubai Golden Visa program 2026 offers eligible investors, professionals, entrepreneurs, talented individuals and outstanding students a long-term UAE residency without the need for a traditional sponsor.
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) says Golden Residency is generally issued for 10 years and can be renewed when applicants continue to meet the relevant conditions.
The programme also allows eligible residents to sponsor family members, including spouses, children regardless of age and parents.
Golden Visa for investors
Investors can qualify through several routes, including real estate and public investments.
You may qualify if you meet one of these requirements:
- Own one or more UAE properties with a combined value of at least AED 2 million.
- Hold a financial deposit or investment of at least AED 2 million through an approved UAE bank or investment fund.
- Establish or own a UAE company with capital of at least AED 2 million.
- Own a company that pays at least AED 250,000 in annual federal taxes, subject to the applicable requirements.
- Invest in an eligible company with a financial share of at least AED 2 million.
The ICP also states that real estate bought through an approved local bank loan can qualify, while off-plan property valued at AED 2 million or more can also be considered if purchased from an approved developer.
Dubai’s GDRFA separately confirms that real estate investors need property worth at least AED 2 million, while tax investors must provide evidence of annual tax contributions of at least AED 250,000.
Golden Visa for professionals
Professionals can qualify under the specialised professionals category if they meet the required education, employment, occupational classification and salary conditions.
The current ICP guidance states that applicants in this category generally need:
- A valid UAE work permit and approved employment contract
- At least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- A monthly salary of at least AED 30,000
- A senior occupational classification recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
Certain scientists, researchers, healthcare specialists, education specialists and other highly skilled professionals may qualify through separate nomination or recommendation routes.
Golden Visa for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs can also apply for a 10-year Golden Residency if they meet the relevant business requirements.
The ICP says applicants may qualify if they:
- Own or partner in a UAE-registered entrepreneurial venture classified as an SME, with annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
- Have an approved entrepreneurial project idea backed by an accredited business incubator or relevant government authority.
- Previously founded a venture or ventures that were sold for a combined value of at least AED 7 million.
Entrepreneurs and their family members must also meet the applicable health insurance requirements.
Golden Visa for talented individuals
The programme also covers exceptional talent in areas including culture, arts, sports, innovation and digital technology.
Eligible categories include:
- Artists and cultural professionals
- Innovators and inventors
- Athletes
- Digital technology specialists
- Other exceptional talents recognised by the relevant UAE authorities
Applicants in these categories generally need recommendations, nominations, awards, recognised achievements or other evidence of exceptional ability, depending on their field.
Golden Visa for students
Outstanding students and graduates can also qualify for UAE Golden Residency.
The current ICP requirements include:
- UAE secondary school students: a minimum score of 95%
- Graduates of international universities: at least a 3.5 GPA, with the university ranked among the world’s top 100 according to a ranking recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education
- Applicants must generally have graduated within the previous two years
- UAE university graduates must meet the applicable university classification and GPA requirements
The Golden Residency for outstanding students and graduates is listed as a 10-year residence category by ICP.
What Golden Visa holders get
Eligible Golden Visa holders can receive several benefits, including:
- 10-year renewable residency
- No traditional sponsor requirement
- Ability to sponsor a spouse
- Ability to sponsor children regardless of age
- Ability to sponsor parents
- Permission to live, work, study and invest in the UAE
- Greater flexibility for staying outside the UAE compared with standard residence arrangements
ICP also states that Golden Residency holders are exempt from the usual 180-day rule for remaining outside the UAE, with the residency remaining valid unless it expires.
How to apply for Dubai Golden Visa 2026
Applicants can submit their Golden Residency applications through the relevant UAE immigration channels.
For Dubai applications, GDRFA provides online services and also accepts applications through approved AMER Service Centres. Real estate investors can use the channels designated for investor and real estate applications.
Applicants should select the category that applies to them, provide the required supporting documents and complete the applicable payment and verification procedures.
The exact documents, fees and processing time can vary depending on the Golden Visa category and the applicant’s circumstances.
Important note
The AED 2 million investment requirement does not apply to every Golden Visa applicant. It mainly concerns specific investor routes, particularly public investment and real estate investment. Professionals, entrepreneurs, students and exceptional talents have separate eligibility requirements.
